Healthy Bodies, Young Legs, and More Experience Highlight 2009 Campaign

(12/1/2008)

In a sport like Track & Field, there is always an onslaught of questions as you head into a new season. Who will have the next break out season? How will the freshmen adjust to collegiate competition? How can we get everyone get to the next level? One thing that isn\'t a question about this year\'s Tufts T&F team is the fact that they have some hefty shoes to fill this year.

The Jumbos said farewell to a dedicated and talented group of seniors last spring. Two-time All Americans Dave Sorensen (Steeplechase) and Dan Marcy (Triple Jump) led the 2008 team to their 1st New England title in 16 years. They were joined by National Qualifiers Jeremy Arak (High Jump), Joe Brown (Hammer), Derek Engelking (Decathlon), and Chris Kantos (10k). Not to forget, Nate Scott who would have been a National Qualifier with his 3,587 in last years pentathlon had it been an NCAA event a year ago. As well as, Jacob Fromer and Matt Alander who were critical members and point scores for the team at the championship level. Needless to say, the class of 2008 left a sizeable void to be filled.

Even with so much national caliber talent graduating, the 2009 squad continues to train, anxiously awaiting the opportunity to step up and prove themselves. That being said, the returners from the 2008 team bring their own level of experience. Jesse Faller (Jr) earned his 2nd All American honor at this falls XC National Championships a mere two weeks ago. He looks to build on his successful track seasons from 2008 where he was the NE 3k Champion, NESCAC 5k Champion, and 13th at the National Championships in the 5k. Joining Faller is a string of athletes who have already proven themselves as some of the best in the nation. Ikenna Acholonu (Jr), Trevor Donadt (Jr), Greg Pallotta (So), Billy Hale (Jr), Andrew Longley (Jr), and James Bradley (Sr) are all returning National Qualifiers from the 2008 team.

In addition to these six athletes, the Jumbos welcome back Skip Pagel (Sr) and Jared Engelking (Jr) from season long injuries last season. A leg injury and broken ankle held Pagel and Engelking out of the 2008 indoor season respectively. Pagel was an All American decathlete for the Jumbos in 2007 while Engelking was a National Qualifier as a freshmen. Barring any setbacks to their recovery, both should be potential qualifiers in the newest national event - the pentathlon.

Not to forget the class of 2012, it will be an exciting year to see how this crop of rookies adjusts to the next level. The team will look to them to maintain a hunger and drive demanding nothing short of 100% effort. In some instances, first-years can slip in behind the upperclassmen and go unnoticed. This will not be the case with the 2012 Jumbos. They will be expected to get right in the mix and push the entire squad to a higher level. They have the ability and drive to do exactly that. They are a capable and talented group of first years.

In the end, there is only one thing left to do...run the races.